Stage 3 - March 3: Puebla - Tlaxcala, 157km

Simoni claims solo spoils in Tlaxcala

Italy’s Gilberto Simoni continued Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni - Androni Giocattoli’s success in Mexico today, taking the general classification lead with his solo stage victory. Simoni reached the finish line in Tlaxcala five seconds ahead of Mexican Carlos Lopez (Canel'S Turbo) with Lopez’s countryman Ignacio Sarabia (Mexican National Team) claiming third a further five seconds behind.

The 157 kilometre stage saw the peloton shattered into small groups and individual riders. The only large group of the day, containing nearly 40 riders, was led home by Taylor Phinney (Trek Livestrong) nearly 25 minutes behind Simoni.

Previous race leader Juan Pabl Magallanes (Mexican National Team) lost his 58 second lead after dropping three minutes on today’s stage. The local rider now sits two minutes down in 25th place.

Simoni’s victory and general classification lead comes a day after teammate Jackson Rodriguez sprinted to stage victory. The team maintains three riders inside the top 10 overall, with Rodriguez and Carlos José Ochoa within 16 seconds of Simoni.